The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) conducts allleasing and resource management functions on the Outer Continental Shelf. The MMS sponsorsscientific research to effectively manage and protect the environment. While MMS has sponsoredsubstantial oceanographic studies in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, demand for additionalscientific information continues to be high. Recently completed, and ongoing, MMS studies in thenortheastern Gulf also suggest that more integration is needed between the physical and biologicaloceanographic disciplines.